Patch Adams
In the summer of 1998 the UNC—Chapel Hill campus was transformed into the fictional Virginia Medical University for the filming of the movie Patch Adams. Based on the true story of an unorthodox doctor who used humor to help his patients, the movie starred Robin Williams, who was in Chapel Hill for several weeks for filming. Many Carolina students, staff, and local residents had roles as extras in the movie. Alumni will recognize many campus locations in the movie, including Polk Place, Gerrard Hall, Wilson Library, and Carroll Hall. While it was exciting to see the campus on the big screen, it received many poor reviews, and film critic Gene Siskel picked it as the worst movie of the year.
Date Established: 1998
Date Range: 1998 – 1998